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I just graduated from Rutgers (go knights!) and want to get a nice gyuto as a graduation gift. I had been looking at the Mac mth-80, but there are so many options I want to make sure I'm choosing the right one. My budget is up to $150, about the price of the Mac. What would you recommend over the Mac (if anything?)I'm looking for something in the 210 to 240mm range. I am new to sharpening and would probably be using a combination 1000/6000 wet stone and occasionally sending it out to have professionally sharpened. I also want good edge retention me wear resistance. I had also been looking at the artifex series and was wondering what the difference was between the aeb-l and m390 steel and if that would really make a difference in my case. Is there anything you would recommend over the knives listed that are in my price range? Also do you find that the hollow ground edges on the Mac really work?

Yes the Mac is a good knife and I think you would like it. If you want a couple alternatives the Tojiro DPs are real popular and less money and similar. Also the Masamoto VGs are in that same price/quality range.

I just read that James Gandolfini died. He went to Rutgers at the same time as me. I think he was a year ahead of me actually. I haven't been back to my old school in 25 years. I'll bet it looks a lot different.

This knife is built tough like the others, but has an Aogami Super steel core that will react in contrast with the stainless cladding, giving you a really cool looking edge after you cut a few things with it.

You just have to remember to dry this knife off after use, but you will also have the option of adding your own custom patina to it, which adds a hobbyist aspect to owning the knife as well. I love personalizing my gear when given the opportunity, and a mustard patina is a fun little project. A cool patina will wow your friends and family. Carbon steel also has the aspect of being easier to sharpen than stainless, so you will be rewarded there as well. As long as you keep the knife dry after every use you have nothing to worry about.

_________________Shaun Fernandez

With great sharpness comes great responsibility.

alexbot

Post subject: Re: Graduation Gyuto

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 2:35 pm

Joined: Fri Jun 21, 2013 2:28 pmPosts: 4

Thanks for all the responses! I think I want to stay away from carbon for now, as the potential for rust scares me. I think I like the artifex. Should the lack of bolster be of concern? I know I like the look of one, but don't know what functional purpose it has. Are there any other knives with AEB-L that are in my price range that have a bolster? Also, are hollow ground knives over-rated? If they do indeed prevent sticking, it might be useful to me.

Adam Marr

Post subject: Re: Graduation Gyuto

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 3:14 pm

Forum Moderator

Joined: Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:36 pmPosts: 3330

I've had a lot of "hollow ground" knives.....or knives with granton or whatever term you want to use and the only one that did ANYTHING is the Glestain knives.

A bolster (in this case a partial bolster and you don't want a full bolster) is mostly visual. It can help balance a knife.....but if you use a pinch grip it doesn't seem to matter much to most people.

alexbot wrote:Thanks for all the responses! I think I want to stay away from carbon for now, as the potential for rust scares me. I think I like the artifex. Should the lack of bolster be of concern? I know I like the look of one, but don't know what functional purpose it has. Are there any other knives with AEB-L that are in my price range that have a bolster? Also, are hollow ground knives over-rated? If they do indeed prevent sticking, it might be useful to me.

I am with Adam on the fact that hollow ground edges or grantons do a whole lot of nothing on most knives so I would skip that. As far as a bolster goes, IMO it adds weight to the knife and somewhat of a fulcrum point so if you are used to heavy western style knives a knife without one could feel light. I was obsessed with this when I first got into Japanese knives but it didnt take long to get over it. Also never get a knife with a full bolster as you cant sharpen the entire heel of the knife and it will always eventually lead to over grind in the heel resulting in u-cuts or chaining. I have never used or owned the artifex but it looks great.

alexbot

Post subject: Re: Graduation Gyuto

Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 9:04 pm

Joined: Fri Jun 21, 2013 2:28 pmPosts: 4

Thanks again for all the help. I think Im going to get the artifex, primarily because I can get 2 for about the same price as some of the others. This might be a dumb question, but should I steel this knife when I use it?

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